To the Editor:
I am writing in response to Nicole Artzer's column "Responsibility of Student Representation" (Feb. 4). I was shocked to see someone of the Student Assembly president's stature making vague allegations about how "only one point of view is being represented and heard."
Artzer no where in her column identifies this "one point of view." However, she calls this point of view "unforgivable." If it is so bad, what is it and what is it doing to this campus? I see no substance in Artzer's column supporting her allegations.
As a member of the Assembly, I am saddened by her column. Members of the Assembly try hard to represent the students' point of view and make changes.
Last term, over a dozen members of the Assembly sponsored the Student Services Reform Plan, which included motions to improve Dartalk, dorm lighting systems and Dining Services. When this was presented, Artzer, instead of embracing these proposals as the best thing for the student body, was angered by the fact that many of the sponsors were members of Reform SA! and she forbade us to use the words "Reform SA" in Assembly meetings ever again.
President Artzer also accuses the Nominations Committee of "making appointments which represent only a small constituency." The Assembly's constitution empowers the president with veto power over appointments. The only way the Nominations Committee can override the President's decision is if every member of the Nominations Committee votes for that prospective member. President Artzer is as responsible for any appointments as the Nominations Committee and should not blame them.
In fact, at the beginning of the fall term, an Ad Hoc Committee on Procedure was formed that found President Artzer's Standing Committee Chairperson appointments unconstitutional. She had appointed individuals who were neither elected by the student body or appointed to the Assembly. As a result of this, a committee was formed to change the constitution. This committee seeks to make Assembly membership more representative and the Assembly a more efficient and responsible organization.
Updating the constitution, improving the quality of Dartalk and working for change in student services are positive steps for this community. Members of the Assembly are working hard for change. Artzer said she wants Assembly members to "join (her) in creating an atmosphere of open expression and responsible discourse." Many Assembly members, including myself, have already been striving for that. If Artzer can offer us leadership and coordination I would be more than willing to work with her. Until then, I don't feel that her allegations do anything to help the Dartmouth student body.
JOHN HONOVICH '97
